Pathways to Becoming a Doctor in the UAE: A Comprehensive Guide for IMGs

Overview

All healthcare professionals—including International Medical Graduates (IMGs)—must obtain a professional licence from the UAE health authorities before practicing. Since October 2024, the Unified National Health Licensing Platformhas streamlined this process by integrating MOHAP, DHA, and DOH into one system. Doctors now apply once for a licence valid across all emirates.
Website: www.mohap.gov.ae/en/services/unified-health-professional-licensing

Pathways by Competency Level

1. Entry-Level Doctors and General Practitioners

• Who qualifies: MBBS + internship; 0–3 years’ experience.

• Pathway: PSV → Prometric Exam → Eligibility Letter → Employment → Licence Activation.

• Opportunities: GP roles in clinics and hospitals.

2. Mid-Level Physicians

• Who qualifies: 3–6 years’ experience with postgraduate training.

• Pathway: Tier 1 may be exempt; Tier 2/3 usually require Prometric exam. PSV required.

• Opportunities: Specialist positions in Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics.

3. Senior Specialists & Consultants

• Who qualifies: Tier 1 board-certified specialists (UK CCT, American Board, RCPSC, etc.).

• Pathway: Typically exam exempt; 2 years post-certification (Tier 1). Tier 2 may require 5 years. PSV and documents (fellowship, CPD, logbooks) required.

• Opportunities: Consultant roles in tertiary hospitals, often with leadership and relocation packages.

4. Portfolio / Alternate Competency Pathways

• Who qualifies: Experienced doctors (≥10 years) without Tier 1 recognition but with extensive practice, research, and teaching contributions.

• Pathway: Submit a portfolio (case logs, ≥2 publications, CME, teaching/leadership). Assessed case by case.

• ⚠️ Note: Not a formal DHA/DOH/MOHAP route; more often used in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) or private facilities.
  Website: www.dhcc.ae/en/Healthcare-Professionals

Key Regulatory Notes

• A single national licence is valid across all emirates since 2024.

• PSV exclusively through DataFlow.

• Licence tied to an employing facility but nationally recognised.

• Residency visa still required for legal practice.
  Website: www.mohap.gov.ae/en/services/unified-health-professional-licensing

Step‑by‑Step Licensing Process

1. Self‑Assessment
Review the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) and use the official MOHAP self‑assessment tool to confirm eligibility.
Website: www.doh.gov.ae/en/resources/standards/pqr

2. Document Submission

Submit required documents via the MOHAP or relevant authority portal:

• Recognised medical degree and internship certificate.

• Evidence of postgraduate clinical experience (≥2 years typical; more for specialists/consultants).

• Current home‑country licence and Good Standing Certificate (issued within 6 months).

• Passport, ID, and photographs.

• Official translations for documents not in Arabic or English.
  Website: www.doh.gov.ae/en/resources/standards/pqr

3. Primary Source Verification (PSV)

All credentials are verified through the DataFlow Group. A positive PSV is mandatory before progressing.
Website: www.dataflowgroup.com

4. Exam or Exemption

• Prometric Licensing Exam: Usually 150 MCQs, 3 hours, pass mark 60%, with up to three attempts.

• Exemption: Granted to Tier 1 qualifications such as UK CCT, American Board, or RCPSC.
  Website: www.doh.gov.ae/en/resources/standards/pqr

5. Licence Issuance & Activation
After exam or exemption approval and positive PSV, a professional classification is issued. Employment in a UAE facility is required to activate the licence, supported by malpractice insurance. Licences are valid for 1 year.
Website: www.mohap.gov.ae/en/services/unified-health-professional-licensing

6. Renewal & CPD Requirements

Annual renewal requires:

• Proof of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

• Evidence of continuous practice without gaps exceeding 2 years.

• Active employment and malpractice insurance.
  Website: www.mohap.gov.ae/en/services/unified-health-professional-licensing

Eligibility Highlights

• Education: 5‑year accredited medical degree + 1‑year internship.

• Experience: Minimum 2 years post‑internship; for consultants:

  • Tier 1: Usually 2 years post‑specialty certification.

  • Tier 2: Typically 5 years post‑specialty certification.

• Good Standing: Valid within 6 months; no disciplinary record.

• Practice Gap: Cannot exceed 2 years.

• Language: English or Arabic, or officially translated.
  Website: www.doh.gov.ae/en/resources/standards/pqr

Key advice: Start with official guidelines (DHA, DOH, MOHAP PQR). Use verified exam prep resources to boost your chances. Consider consultancy services if you want end-to-end support. Tailor your CV for the UAE market and practice your interview skills. With proper planning, you can transition from an IMG to a licensed, practicing doctor in the UAE — with a rewarding career and a comfortable lifestyle.